[Treatment of anaphylaxis after ampicillin prophylaxis in a woman in labour]

A primipara developed anaphylaxis during labour due to intravenous (i.v.) administration of ampicillin given prophylactic against group B streptococcal infection. Initially, she was treated with oxygen, i.v. fluids, antihistamine and a slight left-side position. Fifteen minutes later she was given 0.5 mg adrenaline i.v. due to persistent foetal bradycardia (60-90 bpm). Seven minutes later the foetal heart rate could not be detected. By acute caesarean section a child with Apgar score 1/1 was delivered and resuscitated. Cord arterial blood-pH was 6.97, base excess -9.2 mmol/l and lactate level 12.5 mmol/l. One month later the child appeared normal.